FOLEY — The South Baldwin Republican Women (SBRW) hosted statewide candidates in Foley at its monthly luncheon on Tuesday.
While Commissioner of Agriculture candidate Christina Woener McInnis has been traveling the state for her campaign, she was able to speak to people from her hometown.
As a fifth-generation farmer, McInnis said she understands the ins and outs and challenges that the agriculture industry is facing. She highlighted her plan to address issues with SNAP benefits, protect U.S. farmers from foreign land buyers, encourage young farmers, pair tourism and agriculture and work with the Trump administration to bring resources to Alabama.
"I'm doing this journey with the next generation, and I can tell you this: This is important to Alabama," McInnis said. "This is important to our families. This is important to all of us in this room. Thank you for your vote."
Mike Van took to the podium to speak about his campaign for Alabama Senate District 32. Van is challenging State Sen. Chris Elliott (R-Josephine). After being in the car business for over 50 years, Van said he is ready to take on a new purpose.
"Alabama needs to stay the low-tax state that we are," Van said. "You know, I want to fight for your taxes. Secondly, we've got to keep the doors secure from illegal immigrants. The Biden administration, you know, just opened up the doors, and they're feeding off of us. You know that."
In an emotional speech, Van said he also wants to support first responders, law enforcement and farmers.
The wife of lieutenant governor candidate Rick Pate spoke on her husband's behalf.
Pate said her husband would be able to work with U.S. Sen. Tommy Tuberville (R-Auburn) if he is elected governor because, as an experienced businessman and current Commissioner of Agriculture, she said he is primed to foster relationships.
"We hear from legislators, association leaders, and many others that Rick is the best ag commissioner Alabama has ever had," said Pate. "Rick's a people person. As Commissioner of Agriculture, he's been able to build good relationships with many of the men and women currently serving in the legislature, and having good relationships is how you get things done."
The new SBRW president, Cindy Scivicque, was presented with her new gavel as she took her position. The gavel, made of beli wood from Africa and canary wood from South America, had a specially-made handle made of Baldwin County hickory. The three woods signify "very hard and durable" conservative principles that the SBRW supports. Bob Scivicque was presented with the Lifetime Presidential Award.
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